Experienced Child Custody Modification Attorney
Law Firm Specializing in Child Custody Modifications Filed in the Inland Empire of Southern California
Many parents receive unfavorable child custody orders and wonder what, if anything, they can do about them. For some parents, life changes make it necessary to ask the family court to modify a prior order. As children grow older, their needs and interests oftentimes change and child custody and visitation arrangements may need to be modified accordingly. If you are seeking a modification of an existing Child Custody and Visitation Order, an experienced Riverside child custody modification attorney at our law firm is here to help.
When Can I Modify My Custody Order?
Modifying a court order requires more than mere dissatisfaction with its terms and obligations. The court will assume that the prior order is reasonable and in the child’s best interests. The following circumstances may provide a basis for modification:
- Both parents are in agreement about how to modify the order; or
- There has been a significant change in circumstances since the prior order was entered (Montenegro v. Diaz (2001) 26 Cal.4th 249).
Can parents agree to child custody modifications?
The easiest way to modify a custody order is for the parents to communicate and agree to the changes and submit them to the court for review. If the parties are on speaking terms, which they should be as they are raising a child together, the parent seeking a modification can approach the other parent and see if a new agreement may be reached. If the parties can agree upon the child custody and visitation modifications, they are free to enter into a stipulation which is then signed by a family court judge. This stipulation essentially becomes the new, legally enforceable Child Custody and Visitation Order.
This option is the simplest and most cost-effective option, and an experienced family law attorney can assist you in negotiating the terms of the modified order. Also, an attorney will know how to draft a comprehensive order that leaves no room for confusion and doesn’t leave any loopholes for the other party to exploit.
What is a “significant change in circumstances” and how does it apply to my case?
If the parents cannot agree on modifying a custody order, the parent seeking the modification will need to file a motion with the court to request it.
In modification proceedings, the goal is to convince the family court that since entry of the prior order, these significant changes have taken place and require a new custody and visitation order. Courts are reluctant to modify their orders, since they were arrived at after careful consideration of the facts in the case and the California Family Code provides that children are entitled to a certain level of stability. Having an experienced California family law attorney is essential to convince the judge that the changes in your case justify a new order.
Examples of a “significant change in circumstances” which may justify a modification of child custody are:
- One or both of the parents have had a substantial change in their work schedules
- One parent has or wants to relocate, which will interfere with the current custodial arrangement
- The child has expressed a preference to change custody (if the child is old enough to voice a preference, depending on the child’s age and best interests)
- The safety, health, or well-being of the child is at risk (e.g. the child is exposed to domestic violence in one parent’s home)
- One or both parents have demonstrated an inability to provide for the child’s physical, mental, or emotional needs
- One or both parents have died
- One or both parents are abusing drugs or alcohol
- Criminal conviction or incarceration of one of the parents
- The child is being neglected or abused
- The custody order has been violated
Some of these circumstances may also demand immediate action. If there is evidence of abuse or neglect, you need to speak with an attorney immediately about filing an emergency motion with the family court to address it.
Riverside Custody Attorneys Combining Knowledge & Skill With Compassion & Dedication
We work with parents involved in disputes related to existing child custody orders. Our experience inside and outside of the courtroom allows us to consistently deliver exceptional results for the families we represent. Our Riverside custody attorneys are interested in finding tailored solutions to each family’s problems, using the facts and investigative tactics necessary to produce real-time solutions for our clients.
Our Riverside child custody attorneys will advise you every step of the way, so this confusing and frightening time of fighting for your child’s best interests becomes less challenging and more palatable from beginning to end.
If you anticipate a legal child custody battle is imminent in your life, it is important to know that a Riverside child custody attorney can help you understand the process, so you can temper your anxiety about what’s to come. We can help get you there faster, so you can get your life back on track.
Contact Our Experienced Riverside, California Child Custody Modification Attorney Now
Parents can rely on the experience of our Riverside child custody attorneys in modifying child custody orders, agreements, and judgments. Our Southern California family law firm fights hard to make the legal system work for our clients. We understand that it is often in the best interests of the child for the parents to come to an amicable stipulated agreement regarding custody or visitation modifications. Contact our accomplished and dedicated Riverside child custody lawyers today by calling (909) 966-5245 to learn how our experienced custody attorney, Ronald B. Talkov, can guide you through the court process in a prompt and clear manner.